New Delhi [India], October 29 (ANI): India’s drive toward infrastructure expansion, clean energy transition, and rapid industrialization has propelled copper demand to record levels, cementing the metal’s position as a key pillar of economic growth.
The International Copper Association India (ICA India) reported a 9.3 percent year-on-year rise in the nation’s copper demand for FY25, reaching 1,878 kilotonnes (kt), supported by robust growth across infrastructure, construction, renewable energy, and electric mobility sectors.
According to ICA India, the building construction and infrastructure segments were the strongest contributors, registering annual growth of 11 percent and 17 percent, respectively. The renewable energy sector also saw one of the highest yearly capacity additions, while consumer durables demand surged 19 percent, fueled by record sales of air conditioners, fans, and other appliances.
The automotive sector, including electric vehicles (EVs), recorded a five percent overall increase, with EVs—particularly two- and three-wheelers—rising by 16 percent, underscoring copper’s vital role in clean mobility. The industrial motors segment expanded 12 percent, driven by the adoption of energy-efficient (IE3 and above) motor installations.
Demand from premium residential projects, logistics, data centers, and Grade-A offices, along with expanding infrastructure, drove consumption of wires, cables, and transformers, which together accounted for 43 percent of total copper demand.
ICA India Managing Director Mayur Karmarkar said the rise in copper demand reflects India’s industrial momentum. “Policies promoting renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and infrastructure growth have fueled copper demand, making it a critical resource for India’s development. However, it is time to ask whether the current pace is sufficient to meet the nation’s long-term Viksit Bharat @2047 goals,” he noted.
Karmarkar emphasized the need for proactive planning to build functional copper reserves and strengthen domestic supply chains. “India must accelerate its copper adoption to build above-ground reserves and enhance domestic fabrication capabilities. Promoting import substitution and a stronger recycling ecosystem will be key to sustaining long-term growth,” he added.
On the supply side, India’s domestic cathode production rose 10 percent, while net imports declined 34 percent. The share of secondary (recycled) copper increased to 42 percent of total demand, up from 38.4 percent in FY24, highlighting progress toward circular economy goals.
The country generated 504 kt of end-of-life and process scrap, complemented by 214 kt of imported copper scrap in FY25. (ANI)
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